Meet The Team

We're a network of educators who believe the outdoors is one of the best classrooms there is. Each of us brings our own background and experience to the trail, but we share the same drive: to make nature education real, accessible, and worth showing up for. We are always looking for good people to grow our team. If this feels like your kind of work, check out our career opportunities.

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Erik Rasmussen - Founder

Erik started Making Tracks because after over 20 years in the industry he kept seeing the same problems everywhere he looked. He is...

Dakota Shaffer - Instructor

Dakota chooses to teach wilderness skills because he feels these skills are our way to connect with the natural world around us. We should all enjoy the knowledge of how to provide for ourselves from our own environment. For him, learning bushcraft skills grounds him and allows him to come to terms with life’s hardships and heal from them. Dakota believes that his knowledge allows him to convey historical rhyme and reason to certain aspects of life that our forebearers experi

Madison Barksdale - Instructor

Madison Barksdale is an outdoor educator who teaches students to see insects as both a survival resource and a meaningful connection to the natural world. Her work centers on hands-on observation, ethical collection, and understanding how insects can provide nourishment, knowledge, and awareness in outdoor settings. Madison emphasizes respect, helping students build confidence while developing a deeper appreciation for the role insects play in sustaining and connecting us to

Garth Malin - Instructor

As a young boy Garth was taught how to hunt and fish by his grandfather. Having such a prominent influence early in life led him to get his bachelors degree in wildlife ecology. he enjoys sharing what he has learned and welcomes any opportunity to help others experience the natural world. For Garth the skills are an essential part of building confidence in nature and in one's self. He teaches so he can create a community of like minded people. Qualifications 10+ Years Earth E

Jonathon Pinckard

Jonathon believes the most important thing in survival skills is Tracking and awareness. This isn't just about tracking or watching animals; it's about letting your environment tell you what is happening around you. Learning to clear your mind and allow yourself to see everything in motion. Teaching is a passion of his; the lightbulb look on someone's face when they have figured something out that was difficult or learned something that previously alluded them. Helping people

Teach With Us

Too many good instructors leave the field because they are being treated like camp counselors. Making Tracks is built differently. This is a collaboration; your schedule, your strengths, your goals. We will work with you to build something that actually works for your life.

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